Luna Pelletier
Age: 29

Round Status: all done

Interests: Dimitri, Vanessa(too little for Seb this time T-T)


Cadiz; Lisbon: Vanessa, Dimitri

"It's too early" I grumbled, almost falling out of bed.
I wouldn't mind sleep a little more than usual, especially after a long night, but the sun was shining... and someone was knocking on my door. That made me actually fall off the bed. With a loud curse.
I managed to gather myself up, still sleepy and disheveled hair... Well, I forgot to brush and tie them before my sleep so they were in worse state than usual. When I looked at the clock... let's say that I had no chance to get any breakfast, so I resorted to a snack.
"Coming, coming" I breathed out, finally rushing to the door and opened it. "Hey."
"What happened?" Vanessa was standing outside, all ready to... go somewhere, I think. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine" I brushed my hair with my free hand... oh so tangled... "What's up?"
"I'm heading down to Cadiz, exploring..."
"And you need a nanny" I half-joked. I was seeing why she'd come to me, given that I gave her a tour around Marseilles... But this was my actual home, while Cadiz is just a city, so I deliberately focused on the point of not letting her get lost.
"Not exactly... But I was hoping you'd like to join me."
Oh, boy... I've been in a worst state ever on this cruise. So basically Vanessa was seeing me freshly out of bed, after a night of gaming. First night of gaming here. Can't get any worse.
"Sure, just give me a moment."
And with this I signed the deal. So me getting ready was to pull out any clothes that weren't causing a headache, get my hair and face to reasonable level of neat and just go out.
"So... what were you doing?" she asked me when we began the sightseeing. I had a map, just in case.
"Having a decent night of online gaming" I said, sliding my sunglasses up. "Haven't had one of those in a while now. Went to sleep around five, I think."
"Oh, sorry..." she realized that she woke me up.
"But...?" I felt there was a but coming.
"Well, I managed to see your bed side."
I mentally cringed. Oh God, not the puns! I wasn't in the mood to deal with puns, good or bad. Nope, just nope... And I'm like a teenager. Really, this is not my day.
"I'm not dealing with it right now, V" I groaned. Girl, I put red light. You'll get the signal, I know you will.
"V?" she chuckled.
"Yeah, V" I shrugged. "Actually, let's go for food first, snack will be not enough."
I have no idea, how I would survive without food first, so I was ready to stomach anything, even the most disgusting food ever. Fortunately, we didn't resorted to that and the food was normal. Thank God!
"Hmm..." I looked at the map at one point, it was past the lunch time long ago and... "Not good..."
"What is it?" Vanessa peered at the map. "Luna?"
"We got lost."
It took a while, before she utters a sound... and then I grin.
"Got you."
"Don't joke like that, I thought that we really got lost!" she sent me a look that would make me feel guilty... when in the right conditions.
"Deal with it, V" I shrugged. "When I have less than five hours of sleep, I do stupid stuff. No warning attached" I was still grinning at her.
And then my phone buzzed. I quickly pulled my phone out and excused myself. Checking the screen, I sighed.
"Pelletier speaking, what is it, Leon?" I slipped back to my native language.
"We need to talk, Luna... At nine, on Skype. There's a problem."
"Again?"
Well, I guess there was when atmosphere perished.

~*~

I call back what I said before. There is worse state of me to be seen and it was seen the next day. The Skype chat was between me, Leon, Jean, Yves and Francis and it was all about Clemont and his antics. And it lasted all night. So while at breakfast I was rather fresh, at lunchtime I felt... Tired. And I was tired, since I hadn't slept at all.
So, I was sitting at lunch, alone, with laptop, searching for stuff, when thing happened. HUGE thing IMO.
"Luna" yes, Dimitri came over to my table. He CAME OVER to MY TABLE! I was certain I was going to freak out! Why, you ask? Dimitri keeps rather to himself or selected few. I'm not sure if I am IN the selected few.
"Dimitri" I nodded, replying... "That's unusual. Did something happen?"
"Can I join you?" So he didn't tell anything right away. Well...
"Sure" I shrugged, closing the card in my browser.
"What are you doing?" Was he going with small talk?
"Looking at some glam rock albums at this moment" I held back a yawn. "Something not to get bored."
"I see" there was a silence for few seconds, when I actually managed to finish my lunch. "I wanted to talk to you."
"Mhm..." I looked at him with a question in my eyes and closed my laptop. This seemed to be too serious for me to search internet meanwhile.
"There is something I'd like to share with you."
"This doesn't have anything to do with my family revelation, I hope?" I tilted my head. No answer. "I'm all ears." And I hoped he'd get straight to the point. I started to dislike small talk.
"I had a fiancee" he actually listened to my wordless plea. I wasn't interrupting him, just looking at him, studying his face. I was no psychologist or something, but I could see that it wasn't happy thing. "We met in high school and stayed together afterwards. I was training to be a detective back then." I noticed that he was choosing the words, the pauses between the sentences were longer than usual talk. He stopped suddenly, there was my cue.
"What happened?" I hadn't realized, but my voice was gentler than usual yet egging him to continue. Something must've happened. Dimitri, like me, wasn't interested in finding love here, it was shown since the beginning.
"There an accident" he breathed out finally. I saw that his face was tired. "The driver was drunk and she didn't make it..."
"How long?" Another question from me.
"Over nine years" he finally answered, there was something that made his face change and I realized that for the moment here, Dimitri dropped the facade. I understood some things and could make a proper conclusion, piecing what I've learn with this information. For me it was rather obvious that he still loved her, remembered her and never got over her death. "I thought it would be a lot easier."
That threw me a little and I knew what he was referring to: me telling him about my family situation. I nodded and did the strangest thing. Placing my hand on his for a short while, a sign I hoped he would read as: I understand.
"Certain moods and setups make things easier" I said. "That evening, when I referred to my coworkers? It was that kind of setup and I just followed it instinctively. I told you, before I knew it."
"Do you regret it?"
"I don't know. Do you regret telling me?"
No answer. I nodded to that, he probably was deliberating over it.
"I've never been in that situation, so I don't know and I can't exactly understand how do you feel" I continued, suddenly a wave of tiredness washed over me. I fought it off, but he seemed to notice. "However, I can understand how hard it is to tell such thing to a person. Even with the mood." And since I don't really described my feelings on that, it could be only assumed. "Especially to a person you don't know that well."
"Have you told anybody before?"
"No."

~*~

I was waiting and becoming a bit impatient. I was priding myself on being punctual and those moments I was late I've been so angry at myself. But this time it was Vanessa who was late, Actually, nothing that would surprise me, but when you ask somebody out, you'd better not be late. Same goes to the asked. The day before, when Vanessa asked me to go, I was all on the 'why not' side of spectrum. After all, despite her being a tad late before, we had a cute time. But today it was longer than a tad. I checked the phone for the time and rolled my eyes. What was keeping her...? I decided to check on her...
"Luna, I'm so sorry" Vanessa caught me before I had a chance to walk into elevator. Oh well... "I couldn't find..."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it" I was a bit dismissive, but I couldn't not notice that she looked... a little different, I'd say cuter than usual. "You did something, can't picture what" no surprise I picked up on that, I'm having those girl genes after all.
"I'm letting you guess" she flashed me with her cute smile... She was just too cute.
"Okay" I wasn't exactly convinced.
And we headed of. Fortunately, there was a street festival going on, so we managed to indulge ourselves in it. Exploring the culture proved a lot easier than sightseeing, no map needed, but I bought one just in case. Call it a quirk of mine; people collect souvenirs, I collect maps.
"Were you in any relationships?" Vanessa asks me during a moment of respite from all that walking.
"I don't think so" I shrug. I can't remember if I was in any. "Probably not."
"No kiss?"
"That I had" I snorted. "Been on a few dates, had some kisses at parties... but no relationships."
"How so?" V seemed really curious about it. Oups...
"Well, practically all the dates were set up by someone and they ended up disastrous. So yeah, I'd rather not jump right on the train, rather check the schedule five more times." I just love my figures of speech. "You?"
"A handful... Around a month tops."
"Huh" I do wonder... "Any idea why?" I had my suspicions that she was on the opposite side of spectrum.
"I've been told that I want too much too soon."
"Jumping on the love train head first and taking all the snack from the buffet, then."
That was a rather critical difference that could've bring this down... if I was really looking. Don't get me wrong, Vanessa is cute and nice, but was I really there to look for love? So far, I've treated it like a paid leave to relax and be me, I could've sent signals people were picking up on and I wasn't aware of.
And hearing this right now...
I had no time to ponder about things, since I felt something wet on my back.
"What the...?" I immediately turned to see some random people, one of which spilled something on me. "Watch where you're going" I hissed. "V, what was that?"
"Um... coffee" she seemed taken aback by my irritation.
Great. Coffee on white... This was not good.

~*~

Heading back to the festival was an option I was going to pick, specifically in the evening, for fireworks. Just this time I changed clothes, so I wouldn't be walking with coffee-stained things on. So I changed and was practically out of the room.
"Luna."
Guess who it was that approached me.
"Dimitri" I greeted him back and facepalmed. "Oh God, we're doing Wrex-Shepard banter all over again?"
"Excuse me?"
I sighed. I forgot that not all people were familiar with some references. I pulled my phone and in half a minute I showed him a video.
"This exactly. We did it the othey day" I said to him.
"This is silly."
"My thoughts exactly." You know, as much as I love games, some things are rather idiotic and repeated after a couple of times. This was prime example. "So what brings you to me?"
"I'm heading out to the festival" he said. I wondered if he also was with someone a couple of hours before. "I was wondering if you'd go with me."
"Sure" And my plans were blown off, not that I'm complaining, really. As far as I know, DImitri's company wasn't a bad one and he was on my train... the not looking for love train. "Let's go."
Like I said, company of someone who's on the same train. But it got me surprised, to be honest, just like before. Maybe that evening was a turning point, since before it we met accidentally or I was the one making a move. So now it seems that we're fine. Especially after his revelation, I have no idea, but he doesn't seem to force himself to spend this particular time... And I knew what not to bring up, even in jokes.
What I've noticed was that we steered a little away from crowded places, but exploring nevertheless.
"I like the music here" I decided to speak about anything. But that wasn't far from truth, it got me going.
"It is rather nice" he acknowledged. "Fits the occasion."
"Nothing I'd go for my player, but it's good to hear something else once in a while."
"And what would you...?"
"Rather listen to? Well, 80s rock, house, lots of classical soundtracks, 90s rap... Something along those lines" I shrugged. "Might've something else stashed on my memory card, who knows. What about you? Because honestly, you strike me as a classical type of guy."
"Maybe" he shrugged too, almost mirroring me. "I can see where you're coming from with this opinion." Of course he did. Opera. "I also prefer some modern tunes along with it. It's intriguing how you find anything to talk and make it pleasant time."
"I guess it's part of my harm, some hidden ability probably?" Yeah, that could be the case. "We all have some hidden qualities, sometimes it's just hard to find them."
"Is this referring to me?"
Well, better be honest about it.
"I can't say, but it took a while and where we are? Enjoying the festival like pals." I probably should make it clear how I see it. "I was referring more to one of my coworkers who might be in trouble when I get back."
"What is happening?"
"Oh, it's just he claims things somebody else had done and I'm certain that he'd get rid of the evidence given the chance, so few of my guys and I started gathering it on external drives; he's sneaky, but we can make a hard case against him."
"Your temporary replacement?"
"Yeah."
"I can help with potential lawsuit, advice and procedures."
"Thanks" I smiled at him. "I'm sure that it won't benecessary, but thanks for the offer."
We stayed till the fireworks. Watching colorful sparkles, I managed to get to one conclusion. It was nice time, just talking, no strings attached, no underlying tone there. Maybe that's what I need, no hidden pressure...

COMPLETED

Last edited by Siri (15/10/2017 at 14:17)

Emerald “Emma” Hernandez
  26 years old (18th October)

Interests: Antoine/David

Round Status: R1-3 DONE

A frying pan on the face

“Why didn't you just kiss him?” Harry rolled his eyes while we had dinner, a day after we left Malaga. I took a big gulp of my wine, trying to stall my reply. - “You're usually not this shy. I saw you make plenty of advances in men before you and Stephan were a thing...”
“Yeah but I feel like I'm rusty when it comes to dating. It has been a while..” I downed the rest of my glass and poured some more sangria into Harry's glass and mine.
“That's like riding a bike Ems, you can't forget how it's done.” Harry chuckled.
“But I don't know how to ride a bike.” I stared at him before both of us burst into laugher.
“What's the real reason Emma?”
I bit my steak and slowly chewed while I thought of an answer. Well I knew the answer but I wasn't sure if I'd be able to say it out loud, at least not there. But Harry's fixated stare made me swallow my steak like it were a rock.
“...I might feel attracted to someone else just as I feel about Antoine.” I slowly saw H's look shift from confused to surprised to plainly mischievous.
“You're talking about David.” He whispered with a grin. - “I knew it!”
Now I was the one to roll my eyes  - “Care to post it on the news?” I eyed him, quickly taking a look at the tables around us. - “Shut up.”
“Come on, what are you embarrassed about?” He kept grinning, - “Or is that all some sort of unwillingless to admit that I was right about bringing us here? That you found not one but two hot guys to pin for?”
I finished my second glass of sangria in one go because he was being simply annoying.
“I'm not pinning on anyone. Remember one is from Ireland and the other from France.”
“And you're in Spain now, so what?” Harry shrugged his shoulders. - “And didn't Antoine say he'd visit you in NY?”
“He was joking! And even if he weren't, I don't want to sleep with someone here and give false hope. I'm not going to move from NY and I don't expect anyone to move from their countries either.”
“You don't have to expect anything Emma!” Harry replied far louder than I wanted, making me glance around again before giving him a death glare. - “Just stop thinking and have fun.” He added in a far lower voice.

He was right and I knew it, even if it killed me to admit it. I was overthinking things and that was totally not me.
“Bar?” Harry asked, linking his arm with mine as we left the restaurant and I nodded. This was a fine evening to get drunk before we docked in Cadiz tomorrow.
“Yes please.” We laughed, heading towards the door and nearly bumped into Antoine.
“Hey...” He greeted us with a big smile. Harry pulled his arm away immediately and eyed Antoine from head to toe.
“I'm gonna be... you know.. pretending I have something to do.” He winked at me and turned to the frenchman, - “Now be good kids and do misbehave.” He grinned, patting Antoine's shoulder before scampering away. I chuckled and rolled my eyes.

Late night dive

“Sorry about him... So, how are you doing?”
The tall man smiled warmly, somewhat different from the way he usually did, which left me curious.
“I'm good. I was looking for you actually, since you weren't in your room.”
“Seems like you're always looking for me,” - I chuckled - “But now you found me.”
“I did.” He nodded with a smile. - “I was wondering if you were up for a night dive”
“A night dive? Where?” I furrowed my brows confused. We weren't still docked so the sea wasn't an option.
“Well we only have the pool.”
“Isn't that supposed to be closed at night?” I chuckled.
“Well... yeah...” he ran a hand through his hair, - “But I kinda found a way in.”
He surprised me, he really did. Never thought he'd come up with things like this, fun and spontaneous.
“Well, guide the way then.”

Turns out he didn't find a way in, he made a way in. My mouth dropped when we approached the pool and I saw a table with champagne.
“This isn't finding a way in... You prepared all of this didn't you?” I smiled, taking the glass of champagne Antoine extended to me.
“Maybe.” He grinned, sitting by the pool, his legs inside the water.
“But that's not fair.” I laughed, seeing him sit, - “You're wearing swim trunks, I'm not.”
“You can always go change, I can wait.” He smiled, patting the spot by his side. I smiled and sat down, for now I had shorts which were good enough for the current task at hand.
“So tell me, what's the occasion?” I sipped from my champagne glass, wondering how the mix between sangria and this now would work.
“There's no occasion”, Antoine shrugged his shoulders with a smile, - “I just wanted to spend some time with you.”
Okay that was sweet, I had to admit it. I couldn't help but smile and hide my embarrassment behind the champagne glass. - “I hope none of this is making you uncomfortable.” He added.
“It... it's not...” I slowly replied, thinking about Harry's conversation just moments before. - “I like this. I mean, the moon, the champagne, you... I mean talking to you” I chuckled, pretty sure I was only burying myself deeper in shame but Antoine laughed before sipping some of his champagne too. The way he was looking at me made me feel fuzzy and something turned on my stomach though I wasn't sure if it was the alcohol or what.
Then Antoine rose to his feet, surprising me a bit because I wasn't expecting it. He took off his shirt and I just couldn't help but tilt my head, looking at his extremely defined torso. So yeah, he was definitely a good look man (like that wasn't established before).
My eyes followed him smile and lean down close to me. His face came merely inches from mine as he placed down his glass. Was he teasing me?
A brow rose on my face as I watched him grin and step back, jumping then into the water with a splash. When he surfaced he approached me and took back his glass, continuing to enjoy the water.
“You don't want to come?” He smiled and again I felt like I was being teased. Was he flirting with me?
I laughed, motioning for my jean shorts and shirt. - “I didn't go change.”
“A pity then, you won't enjoy this perfect water.” He laughed, taking another sip from the champagne. I wondered just how much he had drank before meeting me because this spontaneous Antoine was surprising.
But then I realized: this wasn't all that spontaneous now that I thought about it.... He already had his trunks, he already had the champagne and the pool access. He had already planned all of this.  He was simply counting on me to say yes, which I did.
I rose to my feet, placing down my glass at the table. Well he might have planned it all but I didn't and I wasn't going to just let him win on the surprise department. I grinned, glancing back at him before I took off my shirt and unbuttoned my shorts. A little glance at Antoine told me he was staring at me, his face turning somewhat red so I purposefully laughed aloud.
I approached the side of the pool.
“Well there isn't much different from underwear to bikini. Not that I wear a slingshot bottom at the beach but...” I chuckled, jumping into the water, splashing the French man.
“You're.....” He mumbled when I surfaced and I could just laugh. I saw his embarrassed face and knew I had achieved my goal.
“I'm what? You thought I wasn't capable of this? It's not like jumping off Grand Canyon.” I kept laughing.
“Well let's hope not, it probably wouldn't be safe to jump off the canyon in your underwear.”
I shook my head lightly, smiling at the man.
“Indeed it wouldn't.” I rested my back against the pool side, for once actually glad I had put on opaque lingerie instead of sheer or lacey ones.
It was amusing to see Antoine down his champagne way faster than he was doing before. He totally wasn't expecting me to react this way, so I was glad I did (hehe).
I watched him climb out of the water to grab the champagne bottle and my glass that I left on the table, pouring some more content into our glasses.
“Thank you.” I smiled, taking back my glass. Sangria had made me feel warm and although the champagne didn't help, the water sure did. Antoine jumped to the water again without diving and leaned on the side of the pool beside me.
“So, are you excited about the festival in Lisbon?”
We heard the news earlier today about the days we'll spend in Lisbon and the festival with the fireworks.
“I am. I believe they call it Os Santos which is something like the Saints so it's a religious thing but from my quick google search it seems pretty fun.”
“Oh I didn't think about googling. But if it's about saints won't it be weird?”
I shrugged my shoulders, sipping from my champagne. - “I don't think so, from what I saw in pictures there was plenty of alcohol and amusement rides and activities. It looked more like a state fair than anything else.”
“So I should expect to see it with you” Antoine grinned, taking me by surprise but this time I was ready for him.
“Well I don't know, is that an invitation?”
The man looked at me with his blue eyes reflecting all the shine of the water, making me capable of losing myself in them. He gave me another one of those smiles that I couldn't decipher.
“Only if you say yes.”
I bit my lower lip, staring at those eyes.
“It'll be my pleasure to go to the festival with you one of the days.” I smiled, seeing him drink the rest of his glass of champagne.
“Then it is an invitation.” He replied, getting a little closer to me, which made my heart jump a little. I smiled, taking another sip of my champagne before I decided to grab my hair and pull it into a ponytail so I wouldn't get it completely wet. I lowered myself so water reached my neck and kept staring at the man. We were silent for a few moments and I ended up wondering why he had bothered to bring me here.
I mean it was clearly a romantic setting and he seemed to be giving me all the signs but then why wasn't he making a move? Was he afraid of my reaction?
“What are you thinking?” Antoine broke the silence, placing his glass next to the nearly empty bottle; seemed like he was done for the night with drinking. I assumed I should follow his lead but I couldn't help but continue to drink.
“About this... being here with you.” I replied honestly, seeing his curious gaze as he turned back to me.
“I suppose that's good thinking.” He chuckled, taking my glass of champagne away.
“Hey I wasn't done with that...” But Antoine didn't care about it as he grabbed my hand and pulled me deeper into the water.
“Come on, I'll race you to the other side.” He chuckled, starting immediately to swim.
“Hey that's not fair!” I screamed, following him the best I could but I wasn't exactly a mermaid. More like a nail. Those that hit the bottom in two seconds? That one.
“I call that cheating!” I give him a light smack on the shoulder as I manage to catch up to him. Antoine laughs, running a hand through his blonde hair, pulling it back.
“It's called swimming cherry and I won.”
My brows tilted at the sound of cherry and I realized I had never heard him speak French.
“Say something in French.”
“I already did.” He grinned.
“No, I mean an actual sentence. I never heard you speak your language while you have heard me speak Spanish more than I actually know how.”
Antoine stood silent for a moment. - “Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir?” He grinned mischievously but I got him there.
“I know that song!! It's the one where Pink and Christina Aguilera and some others sing, it's Moulin Rouge!” Aha, if he thought I wouldn't recognize it he was picturing me dumber than I am.
“So you know what that means?” He asked with raised brows and my grin faded.
“Well, not really...” He chuckled to my reply, - “You can tell me though.”
I smiled, waiting for him to say but Antoine just kept staring at me, a little smile on his lips.
“Nah, you'll have to figure that out yourself.”
“You know I can just google it but I want you to tell me.” I tried making my pity eyes, hoping they worked with him as they did with Harry and David. Unfortunately Antoine seemed to be immune to them.
“Pretty eyes but no... Maybe I'll tell you someday.” He smiled and I tried plan B which consisted of pouting.
“Still pretty but no...” He ran a hand softly through my shoulder and I completely forgot my pout. I stared at him and he stared at me and we looked like two mentally impaired people in a pool staring at each other so I just closed the distance between us and locked my lips with his.
Harry was right, I had to try and make the most of the cruise that was reaching its end and not think about what would come afterwards.

As we jumped out of the water Antoine seemed to remember I wasn't wearing a bikini so he threw me a towel and looked away which was cute. I smiled, wrapping it around my body and grabbed my clothes. The feeling of his cool lips were still present in my mind as we took the elevator to the suites and this time he didn't need to wait for my move to kiss me goodnight.

Cadiz

Last edited by hhgurl1 (15/10/2017 at 23:04)

Name: Leilani Malei'a Kalawai'a
Age: 31 years young
FC: Nathalie Kelley

Round Status
R1, R2, R3, R4 complete

Romantic/ Friendly Interests
Sebastian
(Vanessa, Yann, Peter, Sergio)

Story

Breakfast|| Sebastian

Leilani woke up the next morning feeling relaxed after a quick shower she made her way to the restaurant for a fast bite than she would go swimming most likely.

While walking in the restaurant she saw Sebas on his laptop typing away, Which reminded her she hadn’t thought of work at all. Which could properly be a problem once she went back?

After Lei grabbed her food she went and sat across from Sebas who was so focused on his screen he didn’t even bother to look up instead of speaking up Lei ate her breakfast in silence when he finally looked up Lei smiled at him and looked at his surprised face.

“How long have you sat there?” Sebastian asked confused clearly.

“Not to long why?” Lei asked after taking a sip from her tea.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Sebas asked her.

“I didn’t want to bother you,” Lei replied nodding at his laptop.

Sebas nodded and stored his laptop away.

“You don’t have to store it away you know,” Lei told him.

“I was already done, so,” Sebastian replied taking a sip from his own tea.

Lei nodded at him but thought to herself what was wrong he seemed so cautious had she done something wrong thinking back to it he just had started to loosen up it’s just typical for her to ruin something that was so fresh while thinking that Lei nipped on her lip out of habit.

“Lei, don’t do that,” Sebas said.

“Hmmm,” Lei answered distracted.

“Don’t bite your lip like that,” Sebas replied taking her lip from between her teeth’s.

“Oh sure,” Lei was surprised to feel his fingers on her lips looking into his eyes the time really seemed to slow down before he abruptly stood up.

“Sorry Lei, I still have something to do,” Before Lei could reply he was gone.

You see she was right he was acting cautiously shouldn’t she have told him what she did? Before biting her lip once again she remembered his warning and signed, looking out of the window seeing the waves go up and down she came to the conclusion that maybe she f*cked up once again but this time by being honest.

Friends|| Sergio, Yann, Vanessa, Julliet

“Hey,” Lei looked up and smiled at Sergio.

“Hey, how are you?” Lei replied putting her book down.

“I am good,” Sergio replied.

“I could do with a little fun,” Lei replied signing.

“I was wondering if you would like to explore Cadiz with me then,” Lei was about to agree but someone was before her.

“Did I heard Cadiz count me in,” Came the voice behind Leilani.

Lei turned to see an eager looking Yann and Vanessa.

“Me too,” Vanessa replied.

“I would like to join you,” Juliet said making everyone look at her weirdly.

“I really like to see Cadiz,” She clarified.

While Lei didn’t mind Sergio seemed to dislike the idea but still told them to be ready in an hour.

“I can’t believe how beautiful it is here,” Vanessa replied talking to the girl she invited I think her name was Luna, while Juliet looked sore at them.

They had been exploring the city for the past two hours and with each passing minute, Sergio became quieter.

“Hey say something,” Lei told him bumping his shoulder.

“Like what?” Sergio replied.

“The weather is lovely?” Lei replied with a smile.

“You look lovely,” Lei laughed at that.

“Thank you, you look handsome,” Lei replied smiling.

“Can you two stop flirting I feel like a third wheel,” Yann replied with a grin.

“Don’t have to feel like that Lei already likes someone,” Sergio replied looking at Lei.

“Really now, who is it?” The big grin on Yann’s face was cute but Lei was positive Sergio wanted to know the answer too.

Lei’s smile fell she hadn’t been thinking of Sebastian the whole city trip and she had mustered a smile just like that but know his guarded face popped up again.

“Lei?” Sergio asked softly.

“Yeah sorry I am fine,” Lei tried to smile again but it wasn’t working.

Yann frowned but before he could say anything a shadow loomed over Lei.

“Leilani, can I talk to you for a moment,” Lei turned around to see Sebastian he looked serious.

“Sebastian? Yeah sure,” Before she could leave thought Sergio pulled her back.
“I don’t like him he seems untrustworthy,” Sergio whispered to Lei.

Lei gave him a small smile, “Then that’s a problem because I like him,”

After Lei released her arm and bit the group a goodbye before going with Sebastian.

Talk|| Sebastian

They walked around in silent before Sebastian broke the silent.

“I am sorry for the way I acted towards you,” Lei kept quiet.

“You have been honest and it was too much,” Sebas told her.

“I am sorry for being honest,” Lei replied looking away from him.

“No never be! I want to be honest towards you,” Lei stopped in her tracks.

“Really?” She asked him and Sebas nodded.

Lei waited for him to say more but he went silent again.

“I am only really scared,” Sebas said after a while.

“Because?” Lei asked him softly.

“My ex-dumped me after I told her,” Sebas spoke softly.

“That must have been a shock,” Lei replied

“It was,” Lei frowned was it that bad.

Now she really wanted to know but he didn’t seem ready.

“Let’s go to that bar,” Lei nodded at him and followed.

While ordering drinks and waiting Lei was sure he wasn’t ready.

“Sebas, you can tell me when you're ready,” Lei replied after their drinks were set before them.

“But I am,” Sebas replied.

“No you aren’t, you have been prologue it the whole time,” Lei took a sip from her drink.

“But,” Sebas started but Lei wasn’t having it.

“Not a word,” Lei replied shaking her head at him.

She wasn’t going to push him he hadn’t pushed her to say anything about herself so she would be patient with him. But she hoped his secret wasn’t as bad as she thought.

Drinks|| Peter

“Wow Leilani where is all the skin I can only see shoulders,” Lei turned around to see Peter.

“You almost sound upset,” Lei replied taking a sip of her drink.

“Not almost I am upset,” Lei chuckled.

“Stop that what about your pretty blond woman,” Peter winked at her.

“I thought you were straight,” Peter replied and ordered himself a whiskey.

“Even straight people like the bend the rules sometimes,” Lei replied simply with a smile.

“That’s a side I like to see,” Peter replied.

“I said some people me not included,” They both laughed.

“You are looking great by the way,” Lei smiled.

“So are you,” Lei replied simply to Peter.
They chatted some more with here and there some jokes and flirting it was the first time that Lei got to tell a little more about herself and it seemed Peter liked her a little more instead of seeing her like a piece of meat which was nice. But not as nice as when she was done drinking walking to Sebas's room to sleepover at him and no nothing happened but Lei is getting custom-made to sleep next to him feeling his warmth makes her sleep better, Which wasn’t a good thing since he still hadn’t completely opened up to her yet.

Festival|| Sergio

Lei got grabbed and taken off the ship as soon as it had docked on shore at Lisbon.

“Can you tell me why you grabbed me like that?” Lei asked him astonished.

“I wanted alone time with you without the rest,” Sergio replied simply.

“Lei would you like to come with me to explore the city,” Lei tried to mimic his voice.

“Didn’t want a repeat from last time,” Lei looked at his serious face and burst out laughing.

“You could have said no,” Lei commented.

“But you didn’t seem to mind,” Sergio replied to that.

“I didn’t but if you did, I would have gone only with you,” Sergio blushed at that.

“All right seeing that I wanted to shop this day let’s start,” Lei told him.

“Wait!? What do you mean shop,” Sergio asked surprised.

“Last time Yann got bored and I pitied him so I went to explore instead but seeing that the cruise is almost over I want to shop now,” Lei replied simply seeing that that was in her planning.

“But, but, but,” Sergio started.

“No worries Sergio, it will be fun,” Saying that Lei hooked her arm in his and pulled him along.

They walked from one shop to the next and no, Lei didn’t torture him much she carried most of her own bags didn’t ask him how she looked (much), and talked to him about men stuff to instead of only the weather.

“I didn’t know shopping could be fun,” Sergio noted when Lei declared they were done.

Lei laughed.

“I told you, No worries,” Sergio smiled at her.

Lei was in love of the city that was decorated in all kind of colours and she also was enjoying her time with Sergio. They went to a small cafe and while talking Lei was surprised to see a parade going on and so was Sergio. They both got up to see the colourful dancers give a show Lei even dancing along with some music.

Fireworks|| Sebastian

Later that night her hand was grabbed once again.

“Sebastian, I rather stay on the ship in this dress,” Lei spoke up when they were walking to the spectacular fireworks.

“You are too beautiful in the dress to stay on the ship,” Sebas replied simply.

Lei wondered what was wrong with him he had been brooding all day. When they finally arrived at the place he took her in his arms. Lei gave him a questionable look.

“I don’t want them to tear your dress we need to go a little higher,” Was all that he said.

When they got higher Lei found out that he took her to the VIP room or place it seemed it was quieter up here.

“Nice place,” Lei commented sitting on a lounge.

“Hmhmmm,” Was the only response some would have been discouraged but Lei had to smile at him.

“What?” Sebas asked her.

“You seem like your old self,” Sebastian shook his head though.

“Far from it,” Sebastian replied with a smile that warmed Lei up,

Before Lei could comment on him fireworks went off and Lei turned around to see them.
Feeling the warmth from someone standing behind her.

The fireworks didn’t take long but it was beautiful to see, Lei didn’t mind coming once again to see this beautiful place or actually all places. Turning around and smiling to Sebas she stood on her toes to kiss his lips she expected to be pushed away but the kiss was totally worth it but that didn’t happen. Instead, she had been pulled closer to his hard body and what a body it was.

When Lei finally needed a breath she realized his lips.

“Time to go,” Sebas said taking her hand.

“To where?” Lei asked him.

“My room we need to talk,” Sebas replied.

Lei didn’t have anything to say after that she just followed him.

Naughty|| Sebastian

When they got to the room. Lei was position on the bed by Sebas, while Sebas walked up and down. Lei chuckled softly.

“Don’t laugh Leilani,” Sebas replied glaring at Lei who still had a big grin on her face.

“I am sorry Sebastian,” Lei replied but didn’t mean any of it.

“Just tell me I won’t be mad, promise,” Lei told him.

He signed, “This is really hard you know,”

Lei kept quiet.

“I went to jail for 2 years for a robbery I committed,” Lei looked at him expecting more.

When he didn’t Lei frowned.

“That’s it?” Lei asked confused.

“Why do you sound so disappointed,” Sebas replied looking shocked.

“I expected something like you killed someone or something,” Lei replied thinking about it she thought it would be why, why worst but going to jail was bad but Lei liked bad.

“You are horrible,” Sebas replied shaking his head.

“And you are bad,” Lei stood up “I always liked them bad.”

“What are you doing?” Sebas replied looking at her confused.

Lei stepped out of her skirt part and pulled Sebastian towards her.

“Let’s do some bad things together tonight,” Lei whispered in his ears while sitting on his lap.

Sebastian laughed and turned them around.

“Sure but I will be leading,” He replied before biting Lei shoulder making the woman burst out laughing.

Ps. Rest not PG.

Outfits

Cadiz, Drinking, Lisbon with Sergio, Lisbon with Sebastian

Done

Last edited by NinaJones (16/10/2017 at 20:14)

Name and age: Valentine Cross, 25

Round Status: R1 complete, R2 complete, R3 complete, R4 complete.

Romantic Interests: David & Peter

David's apology

"You like Marquez?" Came a skeptical voice as I laid on one of the decks reading "100 Years of Solitude" for the fifth time.

"Don't sound so shocked." I said looking up. "In fact you don't need to say anything at all." I said when I realized it was David. I then buried my head back in my book.

"My favorite of his is 'Chronicles of a Death foretold." He continued as if I hadn't asked him not to speak.

"Really? I would have assumed it was 'Memories of my Melancholy Whores'." I retorted not looking up.

"You've read that one? Wasn't it great when..." He started.

"That was an insult not an invitation to converse." I said cutting him off.

"It's just, that's one of his lesser known works, I don't know anyone else whose read it."

"Well surprise, I have."

"I just wouldn't have thought that you..." He started and then then stopped himself.

"That I what? That I read things other than Vogue or Zink?" I responded beginning to seethe.

"It's just...look you're a fashion blogger."

"I'm also a college graduate." I spit out "And not from some random party school either, I have a degree in fashion design from FIT and an MBA from Wharton."

"I...I didn't know that." He responded quietly.

"You didn't ask either." I said as I got up. "You just assumed I was some airhead, the same way that you assume everything anyone says about your relationship with your sister is an attack."

"What's wrong with my relationship with my sister?" He asked defensively.

"That's my exact point. I didn't say anything was wrong with your relationship with your sister, I think you're lucky to have her, at least that makes one of us."

"What's that supposed to mean? Are you expecting me to fawn over you or something?"

"There you go again! I said exasperated. "Just like I'm not stupid I'm also not looking for you to validate me. Newsflash: I actually know my own value and it goes far beyond what I look like!" I said as I turned to walk away.

"Wait Valentine." He sighed as he grabbed my wrist, "This isn't how this is supposed to go, I came over here to apologize."

"You sure have a crazy way of doing that." I said as I pulled my wrist out of his grasp. "You may not know this, but most people who want to apologize lead with the words 'I'm sorry'." I yelled.

"I'm sorry." He yelled back. "Really...I am sorry." He said lowering his voice.

"Yeah, you are." I said turning to walk away again.

"You're not going to make this easy are you?" He asked as he fell into step beside me.

"No." I responded testily as I quickened my pace.

"I really am sorry." He said as he matched my stride.

"Look I don't know what your deal is, but I don't want to be a part of whatever game it is you're playing."

"It's not a game..." He started, "Look I don't like people in my business so I don't ask a lot of questions and maybe I do make assumptions because of it."

"Fair enough." I said as I stopped in front of my cabin.

"So are we okay?" He asked.

"Are you done making assumptions?" I asked.

"Yes." He said simply.

"Then we're okay...for now." I said as I headed into my room.

Cadiz

"So I have a friend at the Castellar Zoo in Cadiz who agreed to give us a private tour." Peter said excitedly as he sat down next to me at the bar.

"Sounds like a great time." I started. "But you'll have to enjoy it without me."

"Seriously? What could be better than a private tour of the zoo with me. You have a date?."

"Is that jealousy I'm detecting?" I questioned with a laugh. "The zoo sounds great but I have plans to do some shopping in the Cadiz city center."

"Shopping? You're choosing shopping...over me." He asked with a slight pout.

"You're welcome to come with me." I said with a smile.

"I'll pass."

"I get it, but I'll still pick you up something nice."

"You're unbelievable." He said a smile creeping on his lips as he got up to walk away. "Hey you'll need to eat right?" He asked calling back to me.

"I suppose I will."

"Well let's have lunch at least."

"Careful Peter, with concessions like that I'm going to get the idea you like me."

***

While Peter went on his tour of the zoo I paid some much needed attention to my social media. Shopping was never just shopping for me and in a place like Cadiz I found some amazing pieces and got some even better images. My instagram followers were going to be in love.

"So what did you buy me?" Peter joked as he looked at the bags surrounding me.

"I haven't decided if I'm actually going to give it to you yet." as I took a sip of coffee. "It's in this bag though." I said pointing at a bag from Azahar lencería.

"Can I see it at least?" He asked.

"Not yet, but I promise it'll be worth the wait."

Interlude pt.1 David asking me out

"You know if a man asks you out on a date in a foreign country it's impolite to say 'no'?" David asked me as he approached me on the deck.

"I feel like I should Google that." I said with a smile.

"It's true." He continued, "And it's also, it's also good manners." He finished.

"Well I can't have you thinking I'm impolite." I smirked.

"Okay so it's a date then." He responded.

"Umm no." I started

"No?" He asked confused.

"Setting a date requires one person to ask another person to do something and for that other person to agree. You didn't actually ask me to do anything."

"Street festival in Lisbon? Maybe breakfast first?"

"Please don't sound like this is something you actually want to do." I responded sarcastically, "I don't know about most girls, but I just love it when a guy is indecisive about whether or not he wants to spend time with me."

"I'm not indecisive. What do you want from me?" He asked annoyed.

"I don't want anything from you." I said sternly. "You approached me remember?"

"Yeah and I'm asking you out." He said his voice full of exasperation.

"Actually you're not. I thought I established that."

He sighed heavily before he continued.

"Valentine." He started. "Will you please have breakfast with me and attend the festival in Lisbon?"

"Will you try not to be a jerk if I say yes?"

"Fine." He said through gritted teeth.

"Fine, then." I replied.

Lisbon pt.1: David

Breakfast with David started out quiet with neither of us saying much beyond thanking the waiter or commenting on things like the weather.

"Okay so I think I know what the problem is." I said after a sip of my second espresso.

"There's a problem?" David asked.

"Yeah, we can't seem to talk unless it's about your sister, and for the record that wasn't an attack, or we're fighting."

"I'm listening." David said.

"I think we need to just kiss and get it over with." I said seriously.

"What?" David asked with a rare laugh.

"I'm serious." I started. "If we kiss one of two things will happen. One, it'll be so absurd that it'll kill off any tension that we have. Two, it'll actually be nice and we'll be forced to deal with the possibility that we may like each other."

"You can't be serious."

"You can say no of course, but I'm being totally serious."

"Can I think about it?"

"Sure, but I'm a great kisser." I said with a wink.

***

The mere act of suggesting that we kiss seemed to relax things between David and I and if I wasn't mistaken he managed to let his guard down at least a little bit. He wasn't quite ready to dance through the streets of Lisbon with me but he did open up about his job as a bartender and his further fondness good books and a good crossword puzzle.

"How are you so hot and such an old man?" I teased as the afternoon wound down.

"Why do you assume I'm an old man." He asked not unkindly.

"You're welcome to provide me with some evidence to the contrary." I flirted.

"I may think about that as well." He said granting me a rare smile.

Interlude pt.2 Peter asking me out

"Are you blowing me off for more shopping in Lisbon." Peter teased when he and I ran into each other after David had asked me out.

"Not exactly." I started. "David did ask me out for breakfast though."

"And you said yes."

"Actually, I said 'Fine, then.'"

"You're going to force me to find someone else to spend the morning with Val."

"That won't be hard for you."

"Who me?" He said in mock modesty.

"C'mon we both know you're a predator...and I'm certain that I'm not the only woman who you've shared the pleasure of your company with."

"Jealous?" He asked with a smile.

"Remember I'm not the one looking for a morning date." I quipped back.

"Meet me that night?"

"We'll see how things go in the morning."

"With David?" He laughed "Trust me I'll see you that night."

Lisbon pt.2: Peter

Of course I saw Peter the night of the festival in Lisbon. Unlike David he had no problem dancing with me in the street or running around like kids sampling everything the city had to offer.

"Crap." I said as I stumbled.

"You okay Val." He asked, his voice suddenly full of concern.

"I'm okay." I said with a small laugh. "Sadly my shoe isn't" I said as I showed him the broken heel.

"A sign from the universe that maybe we should go back to the hotel, although I hear the fireworks are supposed to be great."

"I may have something better than fireworks." I responded as I took off my heels.

"I may be interested." Peter said with a wink.




***

Once Peter and I were back in my hotel room at the Four Seasons I reminded him of the gift I got him back in Cadiza.

"Yeah you never did tell me what that was. Did you bring it?" He asked.

"If you want to see it, you'll have to wait a few minutes." I said as I poured us both a glass of champagne

"How can I say no to that?"

I excused myself into the bathroom where I'd stashed the bag from Azahar lencería.

This is what I was wearing

"I don't think it's my size." Peter said after a sharp intake of breath followed by a gulp of champagne.

"Well I can't return it, so maybe you should take it off me and check." I said without missing a beat as I walked toward where he was sitting on the bed.

It took Peter a minute to catch my meaning but once he did he was instantly on his feet and it wasn't until I felt the splash on champagne against my legs that I realized I was off mine.


***

"Should I put the stuff from Azahar lencería in a bag for you?" I laughed as we laid in a bed an hour later.

"It definitely looks better off..I mean on...I think I mean off...you." He smiled. "But feel free to snap a couple shots of you in it and text them to me."

"Nice try." I said adjusting my pillows.

I expected him to get up and leave after that, he didn't strike me as the sleepover type. When he didn't there was a part of me that wondered if he'd still be there in the morning and what that may mean...I also couldn't help by wonder whether or not David was still thinking (or had ever actually started thinking) about whether or not we should kiss...

Last edited by Dare (13/10/2017 at 16:36)

Lyla Prescott
25
Dimitri & Yann
Rs 1,2,3,4 Complete

Cadiz

I prepared my camera to go sight-seeing in Cadiz and when I opened my door I found Yann outside with his hand in a fist. I guess he was about to knock. “Hi. I was wondering if you wanted to go sight-seeing with me.” He told me. Going with someone is always better than going alone, so I accepted. This was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen, and the company only made it more enjoyable. We went to various places that looked attractive. After a while I could see Yann getting a bit tired. One reason I usually go sight-seeing alone is because I have a tendency to get over excited and I try to see as much as I can in a limited time so I run around with my camera and take loads of pictures. I’m used to it but I guess he wasn’t cause after about an hour he was with his hands on his knees, panting for air. I laughed at the sight. “You wanna go get some coffee?” I asked him. He nodded, not being able to speak. I laughed again and we went into the nearest coffee shop. There I noticed that he really liked black coffee. I couldn’t relate to that since I have a love for tea. “Tea? Who would choose tea over coffee?” he said when I told him that. During our time in the coffee shop he told me more about his passion about teaching children. I enjoyed listening to him talk, mostly because I thought he looked very attractive when talking about something that he loves. I liked how we could relate in our career and experiences. I also told him embarrassing moments I had in class like one time I was reading them a story and it was so emotional that I started to cry. He laughed at that which I was glad. I enjoy making people laugh. After coffee we went to visit a few more places but I didn’t rush like before so we could actually socialise. We took a few selfies together so that we could always remember that time we spent with each other.

Date with Dimitri

Yann and I actually went to some activities that took place on the cruise before arriving at Lisbon. Dimitri continued to join me for breakfast even after our date. The day of the festival, when we arrived at Lisbon, Dimitri and I were eating breakfast as usual but he decided to give it a twist. “After breakfast today, do you want to go on a date?” I almost choked on my food when he asked me that. I couldn’t believe my ears. I searched his face to see if he was joking but I didn’t see a smile. After a little hesitation I said okay and we went to the festival. It was different than anything I had ever seen and once again I got over excited. There were just so many things to do and see! I couldn’t help myself but to go around. I tried not to rush because I was afraid that if he got tired he would just leave me there. I saw a stand with a type of traditional food that I really wanted to try. “Can we try this?” I asked him. “Are you kidding me? Don’t you see how long the line is?” I pouted and begged him until he finally gave in and we spent fifteen minutes in line. “Is it delicious?” I asked him after we got our food. “It’s okay.” He said and I hit him because it was definitely delicious. He laughed and said it was very good. After we walked around for some time we found a bench where there weren’t many people. “Finally, some fresh air.” He said and we sat down. We spent a few minutes in silence until he spoke up. “Do you want to know something about me?” He asked. I was surprised that he asked me that because usually he doesn’t want to say anything about himself so I nodded. He told me the story of his ex-fiancée and how she died, how heartbroken he was. I didn’t understand why he suddenly decided to tell me all this but I was happy that he did. The story made me sad and some tears actually escaped from my eyes because I could see how painful it was for him to talk about it. I could see a tear slide down his face. When he finished speaking I gave him a big hug and tried my best to make him smile because that’s what I do best. So I told him some funny experiences that I had with my students. He did smile and on the way back he took my hand in his and that was the first time I ever walked hand-in-hand with a guy.

Date with Yann

Later that afternoon, Yann asked me to join him in the evening. I was already tired from my date with Dimitri but I decided to go anyway. The festival was more beautiful in the evening where it was lit up. “It’s amazing, isn’t it?” I said and he agreed. We ate some more traditional food, which was all delicious, and enjoyed the cultural things that were held. When we found some quiet we talked about our interests and found out about more things that we had in common. I liked how easy it was to talk to him and I think he felt the same way. The time flew by and it was soon time for the fireworks. I am a bit afraid of fireworks so when they started I was startled and I buried my face on his chest. He jumped a little at that but I couldn’t apologise because I didn’t want to look up. When he relaxed, he put his arms around me and put his chin on my head. When the fireworks were over, people started cheering. I looked up at Yann. He slowly leaned in until his lips touched mine and I closed my eyes. His hands moved to my cheek and I got lost in that kiss.  When he pulled away I felt a bit dizzy. I didn’t know someone could make you feel like this. “I’m glad that I met you.” He said and with that we walked back to our rooms, my heart wanting to jump out of my chest. I really liked him but at the same time I really started to like Dimitri. I had no idea this was going to happen. Who was I going to choose?

---

Since only two are done and I can't make the final decision for everbody, I'm going to extend the round for 24 hours.

The round will now close at 8 pm (forum time) on the 15th September. Hope this will be enough time for you to finish and once again extra points for those who were done in time.

Last edited by schoggettchen (14/10/2017 at 19:18)

---

Round 4 is closed... Impressions are coming soon

Round 5

The Lonely Hearts Cruise is coming to its end after 3 weeks cruising through the Mediterranean Sea. The final stop is in Porto where you will be staying for 4 days and in honor of Captain Gwen’s 35th birthday, there will be a Gala held at the Palácio das Cardosas. Gowns will be provided on board of the Cruise for you. The Dates for the Gala are the same as the final decision.

Gala Dates:

Dare aka Valentine will be asked by Peter; he will invite Valentine for a private dinner in his room to ask her
BearHugs6 aka Lyla will be asked by Yann; he will invite Lyla for a walk around Porto to ask her
Siri aka Luna will be asked by Dimitri; he will ask Luna on the first day in Porto at Dinner 
NinaJones aka Leilani will be asked by Sebastian; he will ask Leilani on the second day in Porto while they are in his room
Hhgurl1 aka Emma will be asked by

In your final Impression, I will give you some input on the future plans of my Extras including their thoughts on a longer relationship. It is up to you if you want to use them or part with your Date once the Cruise is over.

Round 5 Requirements

* Name and age of your character
* Round Status (ex. R1 complete, R2 in progress)
* Gala Date/Romantic Interest
* Story about the Porto; what did you do in the days before the Gala; how did you react to being asked; were you happy or were you wishing for someone else
* Story about the Gala; what did you do; did you enjoy yourself; how did the evening end
* Optional: Story about your life after the Lonely Hearts Cruise; what did change in your life; do you still have contact with people from the Cruise; are you in a relationship;
* Outfits for the Asking and the Gala; Optional: Any other outfit you'd like for the story

Round 5 will close at 8 pm (forum time) on the 18th October

Last edited by schoggettchen (16/10/2017 at 22:21)

---

Impressions

Like I mentioned in the post above. The Future plans are optional if you want to write about what happened to your Character and my Extras once the cruise is over.

Valentine Cross

Peter - Sleeping with Valentine shouldn’t make any difference and yet it did. Usually, Peter would simply move on and search for his next challenge but as he wakes up in the next morning and sees Valentine sleeping peacefully next to him he can’t find the will to get up and leave. He can’t explain what changed or when all he knows is that he likes Valentine more than he can admit to himself. He wonders if she thinks the same about him and what will happen with them once the Cruise is over and if she is expecting them to start dating soon. Peter wouldn’t mind a second and maybe a third night with her and then see where life is going to take them.

Optional Future Plans:
After the Cruise is over Peter will go back to San Francisco but he will ask Valentine for her number, calling her a few times. After two months he will invite her over to San Francisco showing her the city, his workplace and his apartment. Peter will admit that he thought about her but also that he had a few one-night-stands but to him, they didn’t mean much. He is still not sure if a relationship might work out but he is more willing to try if Valentine gives him a chance.

Lyla Prescott

Yann - He was happy - actually more than happy - that he found Lyla. To think that he didn’t even notice her, in the beginning, seems so silly now. Without the Speed Dating, he might have never talked to her which would have been a shame. And now after their second date and the kiss, they shared Yann knows that he made the right decision when he signed up for the Cruise. He hopes that Lyla thinks the same about him though and would like to continue seeing him once they are home. He only worries about the distance between them and how they are going to make it work out.

Optional Future Plans:
Yann still has a few weeks left of his summer holiday once the Cruise is over and since he has never been to the US he will ask Lyla if he could come with her. He will try to take things slowly with her while still showing that he likes her. Going back to Switzerland after two weeks will be hard for him but he will keep contact with Lyla, calling her almost daily. He wants to try a long-distance relationship with her if she is up to it. After a few months, Yann will consider moving to the US to be closer to Lyla.

Luna Pelletier

Dimitri - Just like he had told Mikaela he hadn’t found his True Love during the Cruise. Instead, he might have found a friend instead in Luna. He doesn’t know how they went from barely talking with each other to him telling her about his fiancée but it had felt good. He even managed to enjoy himself during their date in Lisbon and all that without flirting or making advances towards her. It wasn’t what he had expected when he first arrived on the Cruise but he had no reason to complain. She wasn’t looking for love either and maybe that is what made it work for them. 

Optional Future Plans:
Dimitri will go back to Moscow as soon as the Cruise is over since for him there is no reason to stay longer. He has Luna’s model so he will call her a few times asking how she is doing and how her relationship with her co-workers is doing since she didn’t find True Love either. Three months after the Cruise is over Dimitri will be in Marseille because of an obligatory advanced training. Since he remembered that Luna lives there he will invite her for a coffee to catch up with her. He will be still single.

Leilani Kalawai'a

Sebastian - He still worries that everything between him and Leilani is going too quick but after seeing that she didn’t freak out when he told her about his past it made him feel better. Looks like he has worried for nothing and it felt good to know that Leilani wasn’t going to judge him. And Sebastian might not be ready to say yet that he was falling for her but he knew that he liked her a lot. Leilani was funny, loved to talk - which he didn’t mind at all - and she was good-looking. With the Gala approaching Sebastian knows that he wants her to be his date… if he could only be this sure about what will happen to them once the Cruise is over.

Optional Future Plans:
Sebastian has to go back to Berlin since his vacation time is over but first, he will ask Leilani for her number and email address to keep in touch with her. He will constantly catch up with her with phone calls and video chats. He isn’t a fan of the long distance at all but he keeps telling himself that Leilani is worth it. After four months he will surprise her with the proposal to visit her in Berlin showing her the city and where he lives. There is more behind it since she just doesn’t want to see her… he was hoping she might move to Berlin. He can’t imagine leaving himself because his family is in Germany and he hopes that Leilani will understand it.

Emma Hernandez

TBA

Optional Future Plans:

Last edited by schoggettchen (16/10/2017 at 20:39)

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Name: Leilani Malei'a Kalawai'a
Age: 31 years young
FC: Nathalie Kelley

Round Status
All complete

Romantic/ Friendly Interests
Sebastian
(Vanessa, Yann, Peter, Sergio)

Story

But who cares if she isn’t a prince charming, she can be your charming princess|| Vanessa

“I can’t believe you never went to the casino,” Vanessa told Lei while dragging her along.

“I prefer to drink at the bar at night,” Lei replied simply.

“Drunk,” Nessa replied with a laugh.

Lei chuckled at that before pulling at her hand.

“We needed to go that way,” Lei nodded making Nessa blush.

“I knew that,” Nessa replied pulling Lei on once again.

“Of course you did,” Lei replied with a grin.

“You’re going too much with Sebastian,” Nessa replied making Lei burst out laughing.

“But I like the new sass,” Nessa replied with a smile.

Lei smiled they finally arrived at the casino after some playing they went to sit in a private sector.

“I like your glow how is it going with Luna,” Lei said and saw the girl's smile fall.

“I don’t think she likes me that way,” Nessa replied gloomily.

“Hey Nessa, it’s possible this is a love cruise, after all, we are all searching for love doesn’t mean we will fall in love,” Lei replied her.

“But I want to have the same glow you have,” Lei could imagine the pout clearly.

“What are you talking about?” She asked Nessa.

“You look so in love...it makes you more beautiful,” Nessa replied softly.

Lei laughed “Than I see you in a glow too,”

“Lei?!” Nessa replied confused.

“Luna may not be the one but someone clearly is,” Lei replied.

“What are you saying,”

“Juliet, Nessa Juliet has been having eyes for you since the beginning of this cruise but yours so into the fairy tale love that you can’t see what’s right in front of you,” Lei replied.

Nessa’s mouth fell open, how do you know that.

“She basically told me when she said she disliked me, I didn’t understand why till I saw her give the same eyes to Luna,” Lei replied to her.

Nessa took a sip from her drink.

“But she’s not someone I see myself with,” Lei frowned at that.

“Who? The dark princess, dark horse, dark knight, outcast, witch in disguise,” Lei stopped for a second.

“But who cares if she isn’t a prince charming, she can be your charming princess,” Lei told her making Nessa laugh.

“Your right I have somewhere to be,” While saying that Nessa stood up.

“Don’t forget to go to the left,” Lei yelled after her with a smile.

So if I kiss you, you will say yes|| Sebastian

“Hi, come with me to the Gala,” Lei looked up from her book to see Sebastian waiting for her answer.

“You better not have asked me like that,” Lei replied astonished.

“What you want me to ask on a knee,” Sebastian asked sarcastically.

Lei chuckled.

“No, but asking with a kiss would have been nice,” Lei replied to him.

“So if I kiss you, you will say yes,” Sebastian replied crossing his arms.

“No, if you ask and kiss me I will say yes,” Lei replied.

“Since when did you become so demanding,” Lei put her book down.

“Let me see... since I was two,” Lei replied with a smirk.

Sebastian looked at her in the chair.

“I just can ask someone else you know,”

“And miss my chatting all night,” Lei replied faking surprise.

“Your right I won’t want to miss that is just a kiss after all,” Sebastian walked to the chair Lei was sitting in and kissed her lips.

“Be my date to the gala?”

“No… I don’t wanna, you can go with someone else, right,” Lei replied grinning from ear to ear.

“You little,” Before Lei could even blink she was in his arms and warped her legs around him.

“I swear after this you will say yes,” Sebas whispered in her ear.

“Say or beg,” Lei whispered back making Sebas laugh before letting her fall onto the bed.

Rest is not PG.
“And,” Sebas asked hours later kissing her shoulder.

“I am humbly saying yes,” Lei replied looking in his eyes.

“Good and don’t wear shorts anymore,” Sebas said seriously making Lei laugh.

Later when packing her stuff Lei would be missing her short when asking Sebastian he claimed not to know what she was talking about.

But she really is|| Yann, Sergio

“She’s so cute! ” Lei signed at Yann.

“Yann, You have told me that for the sixth time already,” Lei replied to him.

“But she really is,” Yann replied with love-sick eyes.

“I am happy for you,” Lei replied trying to read her book at the swimming pool.

Yann grinned “I am happy for you to you seem happy with big blond guy,”

“Yeah, he does make me happy,” Lei replied smiling.

“So did I say she has this cute bubble nose,” Yann replied.

Lei loved talking to Yann but the guy was seriously annoying her at the moment.

“Have you asked her for the gala already?” Lei asks him.

Yann l looked at Lei from happy to shocked.

“Sh*t I got to do that,” Lei nodded at him and saw him stand up and flee going to ask his date it seemed.

Lei was happy with the silence but not too much later she got disturbed again.

“Hey Lei,” Lei looked up to see Sergio.

“Hey, how are you?” Lei asked.

“I am good, have been thinking about what you said last time,” Sergio replied simply.

Lei smiled, “and?”

“I want to work on myself more before I can open up to someone else,” Sergio replied shyly looking away.

“The shyness is speaking but I understand,” Lei replied.

“And I am proud of you,” Lei replied smiling.

They talked some more after that but Lei excused herself soon after she really wanted to finish her book but it seemed no one was going to give her, her time alone. Thinking about it she didn’t only fall in love but she has been making friends along the way also.

Gala|| Friends

For the Gala party, Lei choose a red gown that showed her body just at the good places.

And the reactions she received were worth the dress.

Lei was walking next to Sebastian laughing about his mischievous childhood when someone hugged her from behind.

“You look really gorgeous, Lei,” Leilani smiled at Nessa.

“Thanks, Vanessa, green looks hot on you,” Lei replied smirking.

“Thank you,” Lei was happy to see her arms with a smoking clothed Juliet.

Yann was off properly kissing with the bubbled nose girl.

Later at night he did showed his face together with the girl and Yann had been right she did have a bubble nose but more than that she was cute.

All in all, Lei enjoyed her time immensely at the gala the cake for the captain had also been delicious.

The night finished with Lei sleeping next to Sebastian.

“I don’t want this to finish,” Lei whispered softly lying on his chest looking up at him.

“Me neither but my vacation will be over soon,” Sebastian replied kissing Lei.

And the vacation soon came to an end after that but their relationship was but on a halt or what I call distance.

I want some Leilani’s|| Sebastian

Lei always loved Hawaii it was her home after all but this three months without Sebastian close to her fell horrible and the dates her family kept sending her too, made her want to puke. But giving up her job after entering her last project Love on a Boat, she had been home in Hawaii to be close to her family even though they could be horrible she had always something to do.

“Grandmother I am not going anymore!” Lei replied that afternoon.

“That boy you have met on the web hasn’t even talked about the future yet,” Her grandmother replied with a huff.

“We are doing fine at the moment,” Lei defended herself and Sebastian.

“Living so far from each other I call it b*ll sh*t,” Her granny replied Lei frowned at her.

They both kept quiet for a while.

“I am still not going on the next day,”

“Than I suppose you start thinking about your next move because I want grand-kids,”

“Grand-mother you already got some,” Lei replied but her grand-mother ignored her.

“I want some Leilani’s,” She replied however and Lei had to laugh at that.

Thinking later at the night her grandmother was right they should talk about there future together and Lei should be honest being far away from him wasn’t something Lei liked at all.

Some day's later Sebastian called her up.

They had been talking when Sebastian broke the question.

“Hey, Lei I was thinking, I would love for you to visit me here in Berlin,” Sebastian said.

“When?!” Lei replied already been thinking about asking the same.

“Tomorrow,” Sebastian replied.

“I will book my ticket then,” Lei replied.

“It’s cold here,” Sebastian told her.

“I don’t mind the cold, you will warm me up right,” Lei flirted.

“I wish you where here already,” Sebastian replied and Lei smiled.

“So do I,” Lei replied.

They talked some more and when they hang up Lei was too happy and did her happy dance she couldn’t believe she was going to him. She was ready and really had missed him a lot.

Berlin|| Sebastian

Going to Berlin, Lei had to admit Sebastian had been right it was cold. The first thing Lei did was running up to him and hug him before kissing him senseless and even though she preferred to go to his home immediately. Sebastian had other ideas he showed her around.

Lei liked the city but then again she saw everything through a pink glass.

When he told her he had to tell her something after they finally arrived Lei's heart dropped thinking he was going to break up with her Lei was thinking the worst but then he told her he wished for her to move in with him.

And Lei couldn’t find a reason to say no even if she wanted too.

Because her family was already used to her being away most of the year nothing much would change only the time she would be travelling.

Did you just say twins?|| Sebastian

Lei hadn’t been feeling well since moving to Berlin the last 3 month and
Sebastian had it seeing his woman so sick wasn’t sitting well with him.

While waiting for their turn at the practice, Lei got nervous.

“Whatever happens we will fix it right,” Lei mumbled softly.

“I will never leave you Leilani,” Sebastian replied kissing her on the head.

It took Leilani’s mind of, of things.

“Congratulation, your pregnant,” The doctor said with a smile after an hour.

“Sorry, did you say pregnant,” Lei spoke up confused.

“Yeah that’s exactly what I said.,” The woman replied.

“But I can’t get pregnant the normal way,” Lei replied confused.

“Who said that,” The general practitioner asked.

“My doctor,” Lei replied still confused.

“Such a quack every one can see that your a healthy young woman that has the pelvis to have many kids,” Lei looked at the doctor confused.

“Aren’t you from here?” The woman asked her.

“No she’s from Hawaii,” Sebastian sounded proud making Lei chuckle.

“But have been resident in New Zealand pretty much this past 5/6 years,” Lei replied her.

“Have you been taking pills or having needles?” the doctor asked.

“Needles since turning 20 but stopped using it after the doctor told me I could have any kids been taking pills after,” Lei replied.

“Maybe he didn’t get that information and thought that you couldn’t receive but alas you can,” The doctor replied simply.

Lei smile went big till she got worried that Sebas was properly not ready this was going too fast but one look at his smiling face got Lei nervous going down she was worrying for nothing.

A week Later they would get another surprise when visiting the gynaecologist.

“Did you just say twins,” Lei replied shocked.

“Yes you can hear one heart here and the others is over here clearly heard,” The gynaecologist said while moving the tool of the machine.

“Twins,” Sebastian said than shook his head.

“Only you can’t seem to stop surprising me,” Sebastian said kissing his girlfriend.

Lei chuckled “Surprise,” Making Sebastian burst out in laughter.

Let’s give dad a heart attack|| 21 years later

Two girls raised in two different worlds. The cold land of there dad’s and the burning heat of their mother country. They learned to love both countries. But in all there 21 years of leaving the only thing they loved more than a vacation in there mothers country is there parents love-story. How they met on a cruise and fell in love.

Counting each year they wished that their time would come soon and it finally arrived...

“I can’t believe we're going to take the same cruise as mum and dad,” The older sister said looking at the cruise.

Her sister just nodded next to her.

“I am so excited and I hope to fall in love just like them,” the older sister continued squalling.

Even though the younger sister was just like their father used to some kind of silent, Her sister was an exception who could talk just as much as their mother but she loved her for it.

“I am excited too but only because I have been looking forward to it for 20 years hearing there story over and over again,” She replied to her sister.

The older sister smirked.

“Let’s give dad a heart attack,” The older sister replies with a smirk just like there dad before boarding the cruise.

The younger one stays behind and takes a picture just to ease there father’s heart when he calms down.

Will they find there love just like there parents?

That’s a story for another time even though I would love to tell it, But Leilani’s story comes to an end right here, she can say she would do it all once again because falling in love feels great.

Outfits

Asked by Sebastian, Gala, Home, Berlin

Done

Last edited by NinaJones (17/10/2017 at 23:54)

Luna Pelletier
Age: 29

Round Status: done

Date: Dimitri


asked, gala

The cruise was slowly approaching its end and with it, so did my leave. Just one step and few days for the vacation to end. And I kinda dreaded what would await me in my apartment... probably a tons of dust.
"You've never asked anybody to watch over your place?" Vanessa looked at me puzzled.
"Well, Nathaniel is supposed to, but I'm pretty sure he only ate leftovers and did nothing" I shrugged. Entrusting my apartment to one of my coworkers was a dreadful idea, but I had no other choice.
"Mhm" she nodded. "Can I come by your room after dinner?"
"Yeah, sure" I smiled. "As long as I won't fall asleep in the middle of a game." I did an hour or two gaming, but no pulling all-nighters. This was just that one time.
There has been an announcement about a gala, which seemed like a bad idea to me. I've never been all up for those formal events. I was wondering why people would need a date and I was certain I'd go alone in case nobody asks. The rule of first invite as clear here. And this dinner was a bit different, since I was spending it with Dimitri, man I had so little in common, but one principal thing was there: we treated the cruise as a vacation, not dating service. Sure I'd rather take fun where I can, so I could get some pleasant experiences out of it. But that wasn't the case today. Today it was all about strategy, since when I get back to work, it's a battle between us and Clemont. So the reason why Dimitri joined me over dinner is actually pretty simple. I needed both advice and strategy from someone who actually knows the law thoroughly. Or at least more thoroughly than I do. Pray that it would never come to court battle, but I don't know at this point. It never hurts to ask, to be prepared, yet I wasn't exactly the person to do it on daily basis, even if I probably should.
"So, you think that should cover it?" I asked just to be sure. I've never expected to have longer talks with him, but it just clicked somewhere and like he said, I always found something to talk about. Surprisingly.
"Yes, that should do it" he confirmed. "As long as you have the evidence, that is."
"Which I have, I dunno about the guys."
"Then not to worry that much."
"That's a relief."
Dimitri isn't much of a talker on his own, but he gives the most accurate answers and that was what some people should learn. I'm not pointing at anybody here... not yet. But silence is nice too, until it's too much to bear.
"Just few days and it's over" I said after a moment. Hard to say if I was disappointed or relieved. Love cruise was over, but like I aid, so did my vacation days. "What will you do?"
"Go back home" he replied and I nodded.
"Same here. I called my guys, so it's a matter of lottery which four of them will come pick me up."
"How do you think they will react?" I knew what he was talking about. I won't be coming down with a boyfriend.
"Disappointed" I replied, shrugging. "Lots of whining and try to bug me." Truth be told, I've expected it. "But it would cool off until one of them or his wife stumbled upon a date project."
"Nerves of steel" I rose my eyebrows. Was he joking? "Nevertheless, I have a question."
"Mmm?"
"Would you go to the Gala with me?"
Pregnant pause. Or dead silence. I had to process that in my head, the exact reason. I had suspicion, but conclusions weren't the strongest at this point. He probably wanted to have good time, with no strings or flirting. tHat suited me.
"Yeah, sure."
Well, he'd deal with my fashion choices.

~*~

"It's not bad" he commented after a while, when seeing me in the dress. "What's with the slit?"
"Love my legs" I grinned. "I thought you've noticed."
"Probably" he let out a small smile.
Yeap, he had to deal with my fashion. But honestly, I liked the dress. Maybe I needed something else, but that was the most plausible.
"Let's get to somewhere less crowded in here" I proposed.
In fact, that was it. THe whole Gala wasn't memorable at all for me. It was just an event spent with someone familiar and friendly. So it was just chatting and maybe a dance or two... I had no idea what to do with my feet to be honest. I can't dance.
It's almost sad to think that we have to part. But the contact will stand, that's for sure.

Epilogue story

"You're staying after hours?" I looked at Yves, surprised.
"Yeah" he groaned. "Had things to do, clean the mess... You don't?"
"No" I shook my head. "Boss' orders."
"You've been the last few working yourself out" he noted. "You need rest."
I didn't want to rest. Honestly, I needed something to get my mind off things. Because I had that strange feeling in my gut and started missing someone. Just missing. There was a different feeling whenever we called each other, but that was uncertain.
"Don't roll your eyes at me" he said. "Any word from your Russian friend?"
"Yeah, he called not so long ago. He's fine."
Fine. We were fine, that's what I thought. But fine wasn't exactly the word I'd use. I missed this guy and I had no idea why.
"Mhm..." he wasn't convinced. "You should be going home."
He was right, I should. We exchanged goodbyes and I left the place, sighing. Getting some rest would be difficult, unless I get it together... Which I have to finally. Stupid cruise...
My phone buzzed and I sighed again, slowly walking to the bus stop. Maybe I'd get some groceries...
"Pelletier speaking." You could tell that I was rather absent with my voice.
"Luna" I stopped for a moment.
"Hey, what's up?" I certainly didn't want to give in and start the silly banter.
"I'm in Marseilles now" and I  literally froze. Seriously, when...?
"What...? And...? How...?" I had problem with voicing my amazement.
"Are you free at this moment?"
It was that one question that I had absolutely no qualms answering. So it wasn't long before I managed to get to his location... and get the coffee. I wasn't keen on getting him straight to my favorite place, since that would spark some questions, but...
"And why haven't you told me that before?" I asked, eying him suspiciously... and yeah, takeout coffee. Since I really wanted not to sit in one place.
"I don't know... Maybe surprise effect?" Yeah, he tried.
"Good to see some things don't change" I quipped. "So, what exactly brings you here, because I know it's not me."
"I have obligatory training" he replied.
"You are booked somewhere, yeah?" he nodded. "Shame, I have comfortable sofa" I shrugged, smirking. His loss.
"You would let me sleep on the sofa?" his brow rose up.
"It's comfortable and you wouldn't deal with me moving... But it's your loss."
Not that I wanted to make a move or something, but it did seem that way. Maybe... Maybe I did feel something. Maybe.
"So, anybody special out there?" Well, I did ask that, first time since the cruise. Kinda had to.
"No. You?"
"None either" I shrugged. "Although... There is someone I'm kind of drawn to. And I missed him a lot recently."
Oh, why did I say that? Well, not only I said it, but looked at Dimitri's specifically. He had to get the gist of it...
"I see" oh God, he got it. I'm done for. "I don't know, Luna."
"Yeah... It would be LDR at best. But... I want to at least try..."

Last edited by Siri (18/10/2017 at 19:00)

Lyla Prescott, 25
Yann
All Done

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss. It made me feel things I never knew I could feel. It made me want more and that thought scared me. To lose control over your self is scary. However, this helped me decide. From this experience I just knew that I wanted Yann, and I wanted to tell him I felt. I spent the first two days in Porto alone with my camera and this was where I made up my mind. I wanted to go to the gala with Yann so I went to look for him. When I saw him, I noticed that he was with another girl and for some reason the first thing that came to my head was that he was asking her to be his date. Our eyes met for a split second and I walked away because I didn’t know what else to do. “Lyla!” I turned around when he said my name. “Where are you going? I was just coming to look for you.” He told me. “Nowhere in particular.” I said. “Good. Care to join me for a walk?” He asked. “Sure.” Was my answer. My heart sank deeper in my chest, mostly because in my head there was the conclusion that he had already asked that girl to the gala. We walked around Porto for a few minutes. So many thoughts were running through my head. I just wanted him to say something already so I stopped walking and turned to him. I figured that if this was where we were going to part then I should just tell him how I feel. “I want to tell you something.” I said. “Me too.” “Okay, you go first.” I said because maybe I wasn’t ready to tell him at that second. He rubbed the back of his neck. “Would you like to go to the gala with me?” He asked. I was over the moon! That’s why people always say I jump quickly to a conclusion. He didn’t ask the other girl! “Yes! Of course!” I said happily. He gave me a wide smile. “Oh yeah, what did you want to tell me?” He asked after a while. I felt very nervous. “I wanted to say that... I really like you.” At those words I was sure that my face was bright red. I put a strand of my hair behind my ear and looked down at the floor. “Me too.” He said and I looked up at his face and smiled. I stood up on my tip toes and kissed his cheek. “Is that all I get?” He asked and pulled me in for a real kiss. I put my hands around his neck and enjoyed the moment. At that moment I was very happy.

Link to external image

I had a great time at the gala. The only thing that worried me was that our time on the cruise was nearly up and I didn’t know what was going to happen to me and Yann after that. As Yann and I were dancing, I tried to enjoy the moment as much as I could. I wondered if he was worried as well but I didn’t want to ruin the moment by bringing up something like the future. I put my head on his chest as we were swaying to the music. Nothing much happened during the gala. We danced and kissed a little. It was romantic.  “Can we talk?” I asked him because I knew I wouldn’t sleep if I didn’t get this future talk over with. We went to his room. “What is it?” He asked me with a concerned look. “I just wanted to know something. What is going to happen when the cruise is over? When we go back home?” I asked. He sat down on his bed and I sat next to him. “I’m not sure.” He replied. That didn’t satisfy me, though. “I mean, I don’t want things between us to end.” That’s exactly how I felt but it didn’t answer my question. “I can’t exactly leave home. I have a stable job and my family. I don’t think I can move right now.” He said. “Me neither.” I groaned frustratingly and laid my back on the bed. This seemed impossible. A few seconds later he came down too and I looked at his eyes. And in that moment I realised that I may have fallen in love with that man. He caressed my cheek and kissed me gently. “We’ll figure something out.” He whispered and soon after we fell asleep in each other’s arms.
When I woke up I noticed that he was already awake and was playing with my hair. He was lost in thought. “What’s on your mind this morning?” I asked him. “I’m thinking about yesterday’s conversation. You know, I’ve never been to the US and there are still a couple of weeks of summer vacation left.” He said. “What I’m trying to say is, can I come with you?” “Duh!” Was my answer. Of course he could come with me! “Did you even have to ask?”

Link to external image

For the next two weeks he came to the US with me. He stayed at my house, obviously. He met my family and they all loved him. I took him around all my favourite places and the time went by quickly. Two weeks passed so quickly. I actually cried when he had to leave. “I love you.” I told him when we were at the airport. “Now you just made this parting a lot harder.” He said and pulled me in for a big hug. “I love you too.” He whispered in my ear. We still kept in contact after that and I hated those days when we didn’t. I never liked the idea of a long distance relationship but before he left, we agreed to give it a try. I also sent him letters just because I liked those sorts of old fashioned things. After about three months, however, I couldn’t take it anymore. I had missed him so much that all the letters and calls just weren’t enough. I didn’t want to end things with him but being that far away was torture. So I told him how I felt. For the hundredth time because we had that conversation a lot. It was different this time though because I really did have enough. I told him that I had to end it even though I didn’t want to. I cried a lot. I said all that in a letter however because I couldn’t bear hear his voice at that moment because I knew that I would retreat from my decision so I didn’t pick up whenever he called after that. We didn’t speak for a month until one day when I was coming back home from work, I saw him standing outside of my door. I felt so many feelings at that moment. I ran to him and hugged him as tight as I could. “What are you doing here?” “I’m here because I love you.” Was all he said and it was enough for me to understand. I was really happy. He moved to the US for me!

We managed to buy an apartment after a few months and he found a job at an elementary school. After about a year he proposed to me and we got married in a few months time in Switzerland.

Link to external image

We spent every summer after that in Switzerland. A year and a half into the marriage we had twins and he has been the best father ever. I’m glad that I went on that cruise. If it wasn’t for my sister, none of this would have happened and I’d probably still be alone. Being with Yann is great and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

THE END

Loved the contest!

Last edited by BearHugs6 (17/10/2017 at 19:17)

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Name and age: Valentine Cross, 25

Round Status: R1 complete, R2 complete, R3 complete, R4 complete, R5 complete

Gala Date/Romantic Interest: Peter

The morning after in Lisbon

Waking up next to Peter the next morning was surreal, but it did help to quiet any lingering questions that I'd had the night before about David. I didn't know what Peter being there meant...and I didn't want to ruin things by questioning it. We were having fun...and as far as I was concerned we could continue to have fun until the cruise ended.

Day 3: Porto

The time in Porto passed by in a blur of social media postings, secret sketching sessions for the collection I finally felt inspired enough to work on, and very late nights with Peter.

"Dinner tonight?" Peter asked on our third day there. I liked that he didn't just automatically assume I'd be free.

"Sure. You want to try some place new?" I asked.

"I know the perfect place." He said with a sly grin, "My room."

"As long as there's actual food there, I'm okay with that. And real food, cooked in a kitchen that isn't a part of a fast food restaurant." I laughed.

"I'll see what I can do." He said as he laughed along with me. "Eight-ish, okay?"

"Should be." I said




I showed up to his room a little after eight and was pleasantly surprised to see that there was a room service cart next to a small table.

"I need to ask you something." Peter said between mouthfuls of steak. "That gala thing, you're going right?"

"Of course."

"So we should go together."

"Should we?"

"Of course Val, I'll even get you a corsage." He offered.

"It's not the prom." I laughed.

"So does that mean I'm not getting laid afterwards?"

"We'll see how you do tonight and then I'll decide." I said with a smile.

With that Peter washed down the last of his steak with a quick gulp of wine and we both got up from the table...

The Gala

"Wow." Peter said when I emerged from my room the night of the gala.

"You look pretty great yourself." I said absently adjusting his bow tie.

"Good enough for your precious feed." He teased.

"Actually, yes." I said as I led him back into my room where I'd left my cell.

"You should give me your name on instagram." He said after I'd taken a few shots. "And maybe a number for that thing." He said pointing to my phone.

"Maybe I will." I responded as I led him out of my room.

***

At the end of the night we ended up back in Peter's room.

"Where's your cell?" I asked him as I exited the shower.

"Dresser, why?"

"You asked for my number." I said as I reached for it.

"Yeah, add it."

I did...under the name Your Valentine.

2 months later

After the cruise Peter and I spoke sporadically. Sometimes he'd call and we'd lose a few hours chatting, other times I'd be heading to a meeting with a fabric manufacturer or he'd be on a quick break.

"What are you doing this weekend?" He asked out of the blue.

"Probably brunch on Sunday, maybe going to see a space."

"Can you brunch in San Francisco?"

"If I had a reason."

"I want to see you."

"I guess that counts." I said with a laugh.

"I'll get you a ticket, send you details." He offered.

"Aisle seat please."

"Maybe." He laughed.

"What I said please."

"Fine." He teased.

It wasn't until we got off the phone that I realized I hadn't told him about my hair...

My new look

***

I noticed Peter before he noticed me.

"Hey there." I said as I approached him.

"I'm waiting for someone." He said barely looking in my direction.

"She must be pretty special." I said getting closer to him.

"Actually she..." He started..."Val?" He asked as he looked at me a little closer.

"Actually I'm what?" I asked with a smile.

"A predator clearly." He said grabbing me closely to him.

"Guilty." I said before I kissed him.

***

On the drive back to his place Peter confided that he'd had a few one night stands over the past few months.

"Makes sense." I said.

"I just felt like..." He started, "Wait what did you say?"

"I said it makes sense, look e have fun together, but we're not exactly together you know. I'm in New York, you're here."

"You're not mad."

"Should I be? I mean I could probably yell or something if you wanted me to, but it wouldn't change things, and I don't actually want to"

"They didn't mean anything." He said.

"Okay." I said

"You're something else." He said shaking his head.

"Is that a bad thing?"

"Not at all Val." He said squeezing my leg.

***

The weekend in San Francisco went as quickly as that last weekend in Porto.

"Maybe next time we do this in New York?" I suggested at the airport.

"I'd be cool with that." Peter said "You gotta take me to the Bronx Zoo though."

"Fine." I said.

As we kissed goodbye I realized that while we hadn't found "happily ever after" that Peter and I may have gotten something better: a chance to write a new story in a language that made sense to us...

Last edited by Dare (18/10/2017 at 04:08)

Lonely Hearts Cruise is now CLOSED!

Banners will be up in a few moments

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Overall

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So a big thank you all for joining my first contest 
I hope you enjoyed the contest as much as I did cause I sure had a lot of fun while reading your stories. It was nice to see the ideas you all came up with and of course how your characters thought about finding True Love on a Cruise.

Not sure yet if I will do another season because first there is another contest I might try once I have worked out my idea.

So please tell me... what did you think about my contest? What did you like the most? Was there anything you didn't like at all?

Comments are always appreciated

Last edited by schoggettchen (18/10/2017 at 21:09)

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This contest will remain open for feedback until 19:55 on October 19, 2017.


   

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This was a great contest with well developed extra characters to play off of and a premise that while straightforward was never boring.

It was great. I loved the part of the impressions the most. I would definitely enter in another contest if you do one.

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